‘Cofradia’ to strengthen forces for next year’s fiesta

By Paulo DS. Papa

The Cofradia de San Jose is gearing up for next year’s Peñafrancia fiesta religious activities, where a larger crowd is expected to gather in the city to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the canonical coronation of Our Lady as the queen and patroness of the Bicol region.

Local church history reveals that on September 20, 1924, at the patio of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, Most Rev. Guiglelmo Piani, the Apostolic Delegate, represented the Vatican and led the coronation ceremony of the original image of Ina as the queen of the region.

During a recent press briefing, Rev. Fr. Darius Romualdo, the Archdiocese of Caceres Chancellor, announced the upcoming crowning of the virgin, set to be commemorated next year.

In an interview, Cofradia de San Jose President William Menes told Bicol Mail that the organization welcomes anyone willing to undergo formation to safeguard the image of Ina during the Traslacion and Fluvial foot processions next year.

Menes mentioned that the Cofradia’s formation team will continue collaborating with various parishes outside Naga City to recruit new members.

He also noted that this Saturday, they will hold a meeting with the pastoral council of Sto. Niño parish in Barangay Tierra Nevada, Tinambac, Camarines Sur, to discuss the involvement of interested individuals in the organization. They have similar plans next month with Our Lady of La Porteria parish in Barangay San Antonio Poblacion, Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

Menes clarified that the organization does not have an age limit for applicants; instead, they prioritize applicants’ faith and devotion to Ina.

Rev. Fr. Juan Pablo Carpio, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Basilica vice-rector, encouraged the organization to expand its membership.

He pointed out that as the Cofradia grows, the number of devotees intending to climb the carriages of Ina and Divino Rostro will likely decrease.

As of this writing, the Cofradia boasts more than 3,500 members, a number that increased before this year’s fiesta concluded.

THE image of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia.